[Acute liver failure caused by phenprocoumon -- three case reports]

We report on three women with phenprocoumon-induced liver failure. In all three, jaundice was the main symptom. Liver failure was manifest 6 months after initial exposure to phenprocoumon in two women and 18 months in the third. None received corticosteroids. The course was prolonged in each patient, but all three finally recovered. Liver failure associated with oral anticoagulation is rare. Most published reports describe only individual cases. Instances of fatal outcome and instances requiring liver transplantation for survival have been seen. Coumarin treatment should be considered as a possible etiology of acute liver failure, even if the drug has been administered for a longer period without any previous problems. While cross-reactions with other coumarin substances have been reported, if coumarin anticoagulation is absolutely required, use of a congener under close monitoring seems justifiable.